The emergence of Bangladesh constitutes the most glorious chapter in the history Bengalees as a Nation. What started as a movement for 'autonomy' based on the famous six points of Bangabandhu Sk. Mujibur Rahman the movement gained momentum which ultimately culminated into the 'WAR OF LIBERATION' and the birth of Bangladesh.

The events leading to the war of Liberation began with the historic call of Bangabandhu Sk. Mujibur Rahman on the 7 th of March, 1971 urging upon everybody to take up 'Arms' against the Pakistan army following the break down of negotiation with President Yahya Khan. The nation responded spontaneously and the liberation struggle began. However the crackdown of Pak army on the 25 th march coupled with the arrest of Bangabandhu posed a big setback for the Nation. Meanwhile the initial brutal act of the invaders and mass exodus of our people including the leaders plunged the Nation into gloom and despair. People were sceptical about the outcome of the struggle. It was at this critical juncture a voice was heard over Radio saying "SWADHIN BANGLA BIPLOBI BETAR KENDRA Theke Balchhi" (Speaking from Independent Revolutionary Radio of Bangladesh). With the announcement the entire Nation got back its confidence. It is difficult to express in words the effect that short announcement had on the peoples morale.

It was all possible because of the initiative taken by 10 young individuals to start on 26 th March 71 Establishing SWADHIN BANGLA BIPLOBI BETAR KENDRA at Kalurghat Ctg. with 10 KW transmitter. These politically conscious youths organized a front which successfully carried out the PROPOGANDA WAR so vitally necessary not only to boost up peoples morale but also to mobilize world opinion in favour of our cause. The Radio station brought Major Ziaur Rahman of Chittagong cantt. on 27 th of March 71 to read out the historic declaration which runs as follows. "I, Major Ziaur Rahman, hereby proclaim the Independence of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sk. Mujibur Rahman, the supreme Leader ...." the magical words provide the nation with much needed courage and reassurance.

Click here to hear Historic Declaration of Independece by Major Ziaur rahman on the behalf of Bangabandhu Skeik Mujibur Rahman

On 30 th March 71 Kalurghat 10 KW station was bombed by Pakistani Air Force and some of the undaunted from among the Group achieve something impossible without any external assistance they dismantle 1 KW transmitter and carried them deeps into the forest and reinstalled it at a place called "Bagapha" bordering Tripura state of India. It was feeble but it continued to do the job. They all demonstrated a classic example of love and dedication for the cause of the nation. With profound appreciation the nation will always remember the services of those ten individuals who included Belal Muhammad, Syed Abdus Shaker, Mostofa Anowar, Abdullah Al Faruque, Abul Quasem Shandeep, Aminur Rahman, Rashedul Hossain, A.M. Sharfuzzaman, Kazi Habib Uddin Moni and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury.

On 17 th of April, 1971 the Government of Democratic Republic of Bangladesh took their oath in a mangogrove in a place called Badyanathtala in Meherpur of Kushtia District from that moment the Government in exile was thinking about establishing a powerful Broadcasting center. Subsequently with assistance from Govt. of India a 50 KW medium wave Transmitter could be procured. Coinciding with the birth anniversary of rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam the station went on air on 11 th Jaistha corresponding 25 th of May 1971. Mr. Abdul Mannan MNA from Tangail was given the ultimate charges of the station. The hands were in all inexperienced and equipments were in very short supply. However despite all the predicaments it was only a tremendous dedication and a sense of purpose that the things went on quite smoothly. In a very short time some three hundred technicians, artists, coming from different parts of Bangladesh flocked to the station. Along with them also came those first ten individuals of Chittagong Station besides Engineers, Physicians, Bureaucrats, Poets, Writers, Journalist all gathered under the same banner. All did their best in their respective assignment.

The programme from SWADHIN BANGLA BETAR KENDRA usually included recitation from the Holy Quran, 'Bojro Kontho', "Charompatro" Short Features, Songs, drama and the like. News were broadcast in Bengali, English and Urdu. The song 'Joy Bangla Banglar Joy' was used as signature tune. Then came the 16 th Dec. The Pakistani army laid down their arms. The victory was won. The exile Govt. of Bangladesh headed by acting president Syed Nazrul Islam, Prime Minister Tazuddin Ahmed, Finance Minister M. Monsur Ali, Home Minister H.M Kamruzzaman and Foreign Minister Khondoker Mustaq Ahmed came to Dhaka on 22 nd Dec., 1971. Earliar Kamal Lohani, Ashfaqur Rahman Khan and A.M Sharfuzzaman representatives from SWADHIN BANGLA BETAR KENDRA moved to Dhaka and renamed as "BANGLADESH BETAR".

Source: http://swadhinbangla-betar.org